The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby in Atlanta will have its hometown hero.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. became the first announced participant for the Derby on Wednesday, with seven spots remaining open for the rest of MLB's sluggers. He credited the Atlanta fans for being a major reason why he's participating, via an interpreter on ESPN:
"I'm even more excited to be doing it at home in Atlanta in front of our fans. They're a big reason why I'm doing this. I think I'm Ronald Acuña Jr. because of their continued support, so I'm just excited to be able to go back home and do this for them.